How we can improve the safety when vessel deballasting in coal export
terminals
1-Risk Assessment:
Perform thorough risk assessments prior to deballasting operations to
identify potential hazards and develop mitigation strategies. Consider
factors such as weather conditions, tidal variations, vessel stability, and
cargo characteristics
Conduct a risk assessment to identify potential hazards and vulnerabilities
during deballasting. Assess risks related to coal dust, fires, explosions,
structural integrity, and environmental impacts. Regularly review and
update risk assessments based on evolving circumstances.
 Identifying Hazards: The first step in a risk assessment is to identify all potential
hazards associated with vessel deballasting operations. This includes:
 Coal Dust Exposure: Assess the risks of coal dust exposure to workers and
nearby communities. Determine the extent of dust emissions during deballasting
and evaluate the health impacts.
 Slips and Falls: Identify areas prone to slippery surfaces due to water used in
deballasting. Consider factors such as uneven surfaces, ladder safety, and
movement of equipment.
 Equipment Malfunction: Evaluate the reliability of deballasting equipment and
potential risks of breakdowns or malfunctions. Consider the consequences of
equipment failure during operations.
 Environmental Impacts: Assess the potential environmental consequences of
deballasting, such as coal dust pollution, runoff into water bodies, and impacts on
local ecosystems.
 Assessing Risks: Once hazards are identified, assess the level of risk associated with
each hazard. This involves considering the likelihood of an incident occurring and the
severity of its potential consequences. For example:
 High-risk activities may include handling coal near open water or in windy
conditions where dust dispersion is likely.
 Risks associated with equipment malfunction can be evaluated based on the
criticality of the equipment and its impact on operations.
 Risk Control Measures: Develop risk control measures to mitigate identified risks.
This may involve:
 Implementing engineering controls such as enclosed conveyor systems or dust
suppression equipment to reduce coal dust emissions.
 Introducing administrative controls like safe work procedures, training programs,
and regular equipment maintenance schedules.
 Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as dust masks, goggles, and
non-slip footwear to workers.
 Monitoring and Review: Establish a system for monitoring the effectiveness of risk
control measures and regularly review the risk assessment. This allows for
adjustments to be made based on changing conditions or new information.
 Communication and Training: Ensure that all personnel involved in deballasting
operations are aware of the identified risks and control measures. Conduct training
sessions to educate workers on safe practices and emergency procedures.
 Compliance and Reporting: Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory
requirements and industry standards related to safety and environmental protection.
Establish procedures for reporting incidents, near misses, and hazards identified
during deballasting operations.
Risk Mitigation Strategy for Coal Transshipment
2-Environmental Protection Measures:
1-Implement measures to minimize environmental impact, such as
installing containment barriers, using absorbent materials to contain spills,
and implementing procedures for rapid response to environmental
incidents.
2-Implement measures to prevent coal dust pollution and minimize
environmental impact during deballasting. This may include using dust
suppression systems, covering coal piles, and employing proper
containment and filtration systems.
Discuss this point: Environmental Protection Measures
1. Sediment Control: Vessel deballasting can introduce sediments into
nearby water bodies, potentially affecting aquatic ecosystems.
Implement sediment control measures such as sediment ponds or
settling tanks to capture suspended solids before discharging the
ballast water. Periodically remove accumulated sediments and
properly dispose of them according to environmental regulations.
 Sediment Ponds or Basins: Sediment ponds or basins can be constructed to
capture and settle the sediments present in the deballasted water. These
ponds allow the sediments to settle at the bottom, preventing their release
into surrounding water bodies. Regular maintenance and removal of
accumulated sediments are necessary to ensure the continued
effectiveness of sediment control.
 Sediment Barriers and Silt Curtains: Deploying sediment barriers, such as
silt curtains or booms, can help contain and control sediment movement
during deballasting operations. These barriers are placed strategically to
prevent sediments from spreading and entering sensitive areas, such as
nearby water intakes or environmentally protected zones.
 Erosion Control Measures: Implement erosion control measures to prevent
soil erosion and sediment runoff from the terminal area. This may include
establishing vegetative cover, stabilizing slopes, and implementing erosion
control practices, such as mulching or erosion control blankets.
 Sediment Monitoring: Regular monitoring of sediment levels in the water
bodies surrounding the coal export terminals is essential to assess the
effectiveness of sediment control measures and detect any potential
impacts. Monitoring can involve collecting sediment samples, measuring
sedimentation rates, and analyzing sediment composition to evaluate
changes over time.
 Proper Disposal of Sediments: When sediment ponds or settling tanks are
filled with accumulated sediments, it is important to dispose of them
properly and in accordance with environmental regulations. Sediments may
need to be tested for contamination levels, and appropriate disposal
methods, such as landfilling or beneficial reuse, should be followed.
2. Water Treatment and Monitoring:
When a vessel undergoes deballasting, the water that is discharged often
contains various pollutants, such as coal fines, suspended solids,
hydrocarbons, and heavy metals. To mitigate the environmental impact,
water treatment systems are employed to remove or reduce these
contaminants before the water is discharged into the surrounding
environment.
 Filtration Systems: Filtration systems, such as sediment filters or media
filters, can be used to remove larger particles and solids from the
deballasted water.
 Settling Tanks: Settling tanks allow suspended solids to settle at the
bottom, separating them from the water. The clarified water can then be
further treated or discharged.
 Chemical Treatment: Chemical treatment methods, such as coagulation and
flocculation, can be employed to aggregate smaller particles into larger
clumps, making it easier to separate them from the water.
 Oil/Water Separators: In cases where hydrocarbons are present in the
deballasted water, oil/water separators can be used to separate and
remove the oil or fuel contaminants.
3. Environmental Impact Assessment: Conduct thorough
environmental impact assessments (EIAs) prior to deballasting
operations. EIAs help identify potential risks and impacts on sensitive
habitats, water quality, and wildlife. The assessment should consider
factors such as local regulations, endangered species, and protected
areas. Mitigation measures identified in the EIA should be
implemented to minimize environmental harm
4. Environmental Monitoring: Establish a comprehensive environmental
monitoring program to assess the short-term and long-term impacts of
deballasting operations. Regularly monitor water quality, sedimentation
levels, and aquatic ecosystem health. This data can help identify any
adverse impacts and guide the implementation of corrective measures,
if necessary